Having been in business for over 30 years, we have seen it all. But some things we see again and again. So, today we want to tell you some of the things you and your children should never put down the drain and why they are bad for your plumbing system.
20 Things You Should Never Put Down The Drain
1) Food scraps
Food Scraps can easily clog up your drains and pipes, causing all sorts of problems. Plus, they attract pests like rodents and cockroaches. So keep your food in the garbage can where it belongs.
2) Grease and cooking oil
No matter how much you soap it up, grease will never fully go down the drain. It will cling to your pipes, harden over time, and eventually cause a plumbing nightmare. Trust us, we know.
3) Hair
We all shed hair, but that doesn’t mean it should go down the drain. Even just a small amount of hair can create a clog because it tangles around other debris. We have some customers who call us monthly because of the amount of hair that goes down their draining, leaving them standing in ankle-deep water as they shower.
4) Coffee grounds
Like hair, coffee grounds can tangle around other debris and cause a clog. Plus, we understand that coffee grounds may be great for your garden.
5) Toothpaste
Most toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that can damage your plumbing over time. Plus, the minty freshness will attract pests like rats and cockroaches. Nobody wants that!
6) Medication
You should never flush medication down the toilet because it can contaminate the water supply. Instead, dispose of it properly at a drug take-back event or program.
7) Baby wipes
Even if they’re labeled “flushable,” baby wipes shouldn’t go down the drain. They don’t break down like toilet paper and can cause clogs. Read our article about "flushable wipes" to learn more about the dangers to your plumbing.
8) Feminine hygiene products
These should never be flushed down the toilet because they can cause serious plumbing problems. This is another problem we see regularly and there is such an easy solution. Instead of flushing them down the toilet, throw them in the trash.
9) Paper towels
Did you know that like baby wipes, paper towels don’t break down in the water and can cause major clogs? Plus, if we are being honest, they’re just not as effective as toilet paper.
10) Dental Floss
Dental floss is even worse than hair because it's not a matter of if it will tangle around other debris and cause a clog but when.
11) Diapers
Diapers should never be flushed down the toilet because they can cause serious plumbing problems. Quite honestly, we are surprised how they are flushed down the toilet, but we have seen it nonetheless. Always throw diapers in the trash.
12) Kitty litter
We know it's tempting but it is really important to never flush kitty down the toilet. Kitty litter has been known to cause serious plumbing problems. Instead, always dispose of kitty litter in the trash.
13) Paint
You should never pour paint down the drain because it can contaminate the water supply. And if that is not enough we have had to replace several sinks and toilets that were permanently stained due to paint. The best way to get rid of paint properly is at a local hazardous waste facility.
14) Cleaning chemicals
You should never pour cleaning chemicals down the drain because they can infect the water supply. We know this sounds wrong because you use many of these supplies to clean the toilets and sinks in your home. But it is true and it is important to take unused cleaning products to a local hazardous waste facility.
15) Motor oil
You should never pour motor oil down the drain because it can contaminate the water supply and why would you? Again, discard this item properly at a local hazardous waste facility.
16) Pesticides
You should never pour pesticides down the drain because they can infect the water supply. This is another item that should be taken to a local hazardous waste facility.
17) Herbicides
You should never pour herbicides down the drain because they can pollute the water supply. A local hazardous waste facility is where this item should be disposed of.
18) Antifreeze
You should never pour antifreeze down the drain which also taints the water supply. Instead, throw this product away at a local hazardous waste facility.
19) Swimming pool chemicals
You should never pour swimming pool chemicals down the drain. Yet again, another item that can pollute the water supply and thus should be discarded at a local hazardous waste facility.
20) Pharmaceuticals
You should never flush pharmaceuticals down the toilet. Instead, take them to a drug take-back event, program, or location.
We understand how tempting it is to take the easy way out and dump some of these items into your sink or toilet, but we have seen the consequences and we promise you most homeowners regret their decision when they have a major plumbing problem because of it.
If you have a backed-up drain or other plumbing issues, please call Linthicum Plumbing and Drain Cleaning today at (410) 768-5350.